Drinking Apparatus, System and Method

ABSTRACT

A food delivery apparatus, and/or a system, may comprise a container having a tube coupled with a cap, and the cap may have an aperture controlling the flow of food from the container through the tube and to the user. In a system, a plurality of caps may be provided, each cap having a differently dimensioned aperture for varying the level of restriction or control on the flow of food from the container and through the tube or straw to the user.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA

Not applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application discloses embodiments and claims generally related to a drinking apparatus for consumption of food (including fluids and solids) that may have interchangeable caps for controlling the quantity and flow of food from the container and through the straw to the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dysphagia is a physical impairment or neurological disorder that causes one to have difficulty eating and/or drinking, swallowing or sucking fluids. The act of eating and/or drinking involves a complex interplay of physiological mechanisms, both physical and neurological, voluntary and reflexive. Thus, dysphagia can result from either a physical impairment or a neurological disorder, or both, and effective treatment must identify the specific impairment and take into account the cause or causes of the dysphagia.

Voluntary swallowing begins with the movement of the bolus to the posterior of the mouth. At a certain point, involuntary (reflexive) swallowing begins, involving two separate phases: the pharyngeal phase and the esophageal phase. The pharyngeal phase describes the movement of the substance from the pharynx to the esophagus, while the esophageal phase describes the movement of the substance through the esophagus.

Dysphagia complicates the swallowing process, usually causing normal amounts of liquid to travel into the bronchus and the lungs, causing coughing, choking and even aspiration pneumonia. It is well recognized that dysphagia presents significant hydration and nutritional obstacles when the user tilts his/her head backward into the normal drinking position. As a result, many attempts have been presented to combat the aforementioned problems, as well as other related problems. Examples of some of the products offered to remedy the aforementioned problems include the Flo-Trol (TM) Vacuum Cup, which controls liquid input even when lying in bed via a soft rubber air release button that allows a user to drink without raising the head. Another example includes the Sip Tip, which has a valve placed in the bottom of a clear flexible straw, so that as the plastic lid is pressed or when the person takes a sip, the liquid moves up the straw. Other commercial products include Provale (TM) Limited Flow Cup, Novo (TM) Cup, Dysphagia Cup, Nosey Cups and Gravity Assisted Drinking Cup.

This application presents embodiments and claims providing variable degrees of restriction of flow rate. In addition, the embodiments and claims presented in this application address a variety of medical concerns, including the aforementioned dysphagia, and further including (but not limited to) persons having oral motor musculature disorders, cognitive disorders (e.g. Altzheimer's) and/or articulation (speech) disorders. In regard to oral motor musculature disorders and articulation disorders, the embodiments and claims presented herein may provide a mechanism for strengthening the musculature associated with the respective disorders. In regard to cognitive disorders, the embodiments and claims presented herein may provide an apparatus that is simple and safe to use, therefore monitoring of the user is unnecessary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment disclosed herein, it is envisioned that a food delivery apparatus comprises a container having a tube coupled with a cap, and the cap having an aperture of a specified diameter, so that the aperture controls the flow of food from the container through the tube and to the user.

In accordance with one embodiment disclosed herein, it is envisioned that a food delivery system controlling the flow of food comprises a container having a straw selectively coupled with one of a plurality of caps, and each one of the caps having an aperture of a specified diameter, the aperture controlling the flow of food from the container through the straw and to the user.

In accordance with one embodiment disclosed herein, it is envisioned that a method of delivering nourishment to a person utilizing a container having a straw, wherein the method comprises the step of selecting one of a plurality of caps for coupling one of the caps to the straw, each one of the caps having an aperture with a different diameter, each one of the apertures for controlling the flow of nourishment through the straw and to the person. The method may further comprise the steps of removing the cap coupled to the straw, and selecting one of the remaining caps for coupling to the straw.

In the aforementioned embodiments described above, the apparatus, system or method further may comprise a lid that encloses the contents within the container, wherein the container has a collar for receiving the lid. In one embodiment applicable to the apparatus, system and method, respectively, discussed above, the collar has external threads complementary to internal threads formed on the inside of the lid. In another embodiment applicable to the apparatus, system and method, respectively, discussed above, the collar has a lip complementary to a channel formed on the underside of the lid. The lid may have at least one outlet, wherein the tube projects through one of the outlets. The remaining outlets, if provided, may be used for refilling the contents of the container and/or for venting of the container.

In one embodiment applicable to the apparatus, system and method, respectively, discussed above, the tube has a detente that abuts the underside of the lid when the tube is inserted through the outlet. In another embodiment applicable to the apparatus, system and method discussed above, the tube may comprise a first portion coupled with a second portion. The first portion having a detente that abuts the underside of the lid when the tube is inserted through the outlet, and the second portion receiving the cap at an end opposite to the end with the first portion.

In one embodiment applicable to the apparatus, system and method discussed above, the cap has an open end and a partially closed end, the partially closed end having an aperture formed therein for controlling the flow rate of contents through the tube.

It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this application is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way. It is intended that the application is defined by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional utility and features of the embodiments and claims will become more fully apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, which illustrate several features of the embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of one envisioned embodiment of a tube or straw;

FIG. 3 b is a perspective view of another embodiment of a tube or straw;

FIG. 4 a is a perspective view of one envisioned embodiment of a cap;

FIG. 4 b is another perspective view of the cap in FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 4 c is a top view of the cap in FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 4 d is a bottom view of the cap FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 5 a is a perspective view of another embodiment disclosing a system providing a plurality of caps;

FIG. 5 b is a bottom view of one of the caps 16 a in FIG. 5 a;

FIG. 5 c is a bottom view of one of the caps 16 b in FIG. 5 a; and

FIG. 5 d is a bottom view of one of the caps 16 c in FIG. 5 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The detailed description below is for several embodiments and is intended to provide an example or examples of some of the elements and features that are envisioned. It is to be understood that a variety of other arrangements are also possible without materially departing from the claims as presented herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a food delivery apparatus 10 (hereinafter “apparatus”) is depicted in accordance with at least one embodiment, wherein the food may generally be characterized as a fluid, liquid, semi-solid or solid material, or a combination thereof, suitable for human ingestion and consumption, including fluid/liquid beverages and semi-solid or solid foods. Apparatus 10 may comprise a container 12 having a tube 14, wherein the tube 14 is coupled to a cap 16. A cap 16 has an aperture 18 controlling the flow of the food from a container 12 through a tube 14. A container 12 has a lid or cover 20 that encloses the food contents within a container 12, thereby preventing the contents from spilling onto surfaces, clothing and the like.

A container 12 may have a variety of geometric forms, including a cylindrical shape, an orthogonal shape or other similar shapes, provided that a container 12 retain food therein. In general, a container 12 comprises a base 12 a and at least one sidewall 12 b upstanding therefrom (and multiple sidewalls for a geometric form requiring additional sidewalls). At an end opposite a base 12 a is an opening 12 c formed for ingress and egress of a food therefrom, especially for pouring or displacing the food into or out of a container 12. A collar 12 d is formed about a opening 12 c, a collar 12 d for receiving a lid or cover 20. In one embodiment, a collar 12 d has external threads 12 e complementary to internal threads 20 a formed on the inside of a lid or cover 20. In this embodiment, a lid or cover 20 is coupled to a collar 12 d via complementary threading. In another embodiment, a collar 12 d has a lip 12 f complementary to a channel 20 b formed on the underside of a lid or cover 20. In this embodiment, a lid or cover 20 is coupled to a collar 12 d in a friction fit manner, or other similar manner in which a lid or cover 20 is compressed and coupled to a collar 12 d. In either embodiment, a lid or cover 20 serves to prevent egress of the food from a container 12 until the food is drawn from a container 12 by a user or care giver.

A lid or cover 20 has at least one outlet 20 c through which a tube or straw 14 is inserted and/or projects through for extracting the food from within a container 12. Multiple outlets may be provided, if necessary or desired, to provide additional options for refilling a container 12 with the food, or for providing a vent during use (if necessary), or a combination of both if necessary. Any unused outlets may have removable tops or covers, including tops or covers coupled to a lid or cover 20 by a lanyard, or alternatively, tops or covers uncoupled and independent of a lid or cover 20. A top or cover may prevent the contents of the container 10 from leaking through the outlets after use.

A tube or straw 14 may have a variety of forms, including a unitary or singular structure, or a multiple component structure. In one embodiment, a unitary tube or straw 14 is depicted for insertion into and projection through an outlet 20 c provided in a lid or cover 20. A tube or straw 14 may have a detente 26 that abuts an underside of a lid 20 when a tube 14 is inserted through an outlet 20 c. A detente 26 will prevent the user or care giver from extracting a tube or straw 14 through a top side of a lid or cover 20 and a outlet 20 c. Thus, in this embodiment, extracting a tube or straw 14 from a lid or cover 20 will require removal of a lid or cover 20 first and then extraction by pulling a tube or straw 14 through a underside of a lid or cover 20.

In another embodiment, a tube or straw 14 comprises a multi-component structure, such as having a first portion 14 a and a second portion 14 b. To form a unified tube or straw 14, a first portion 14 a is coupled with a second portion 14 b, and as depicted, may be coupled using frictional or force impingement. In this embodiment, and after coupling of a first portion 14 a and a second portion 14 b, a first portion 14 a is inserted through an outlet 20 c and directly communicates with the lips/mouth of the user. A first portion 14 a may have a detente 26 similar to a detente described in relation to a previous tube or straw 14 embodiment in the preceding paragraph. Thus, a detente 26 may prevent the user or caregiver from extracting a tube or straw 14 through a top side of a lid or cover 20 and a outlet 20 c. A second portion 14 b receives a cap 16 (selected from one of the plurality that may be provided) at an end opposite to an end that is coupled with a first portion 14 a. Thus, when a tube or straw 14 is assembled, by coupling a first portion 14 a and a second portion 14 b, and a cap 16 is selected for positioning on the end of a second portion 14 b, a controlled flow of the food through a cap 16 may be achieved, and up through portions 14 a and 14 b, and into the mouth of the user.

A cap 16 comprises a generally cylindrical form for facilitating insertion onto one end of a tube or straw 14 (the end immersed into the food). The cap 16 has an open end 22 and a partially closed end 24, a partially closed end 24 having an aperture 18 formed therein for regulating and controlling the flow rate of the food through a tube or straw 14. An aperture 18 may have a variety of diameters to vary the control provided by a cap 16.

It is envisioned that a drinking system 50 controlling the flow of the food by utilizing a plurality of caps is desirable, wherein the system may comprise a container 12 having a tube or straw 14 selectively coupled with one of a plurality of caps, wherein the caps are generally denoted by reference numeral 16, and in this embodiment specifically denoted by reference numerals 16 a, 16 b and 16 c by way of only one example. Each one of the caps 16 a, 16 b and 16 c have an aperture 18 a, 18 b and 18 c. The apertures 18 a, 18 b and 18 c differ in diameter from one another, thereby providing three different levels of regulation or control on the flow of the food. Apertures 18 a, 18 b and 18 c control the flow of food from a container 12 through a tube or straw 14 and to the user.

A system 50 is envisioned as providing a flexible and versatile drinking system for use in a health care facility or during convalescence at home. A system 50 provides the health care provider or caregiver the ability to adjust the level of regulation and control on the food extracted from a container 12. For instance, and using the three cap 16 a, 16 b and 16 c embodiment as but one example of many possible, a health car provider may begin administering the food to a person by utilizing or selecting one of the caps 16 a, 16 b or 16 c that delivers a very limited and controlled quantity through a tube or straw 14 and to the user. This amount of quantity control may be preferable so as to prevent aspiration, pneumonia, aggravation of a present condition (including dysphagia), or other similar reasons. At a later time, the provider may wish to increase the quantity delivered to the user, and thus, would be able to exchange one cap and corresponding aperture diameter for another cap and aperture diameter combination so that an increased quantity is in fact deliverable to the user. Such modifications may be performed without considerable effort by the provider, and benefits the user by delivering the food, while also providing a way for the user to exercise underdeveloped, atrophied or ineffective musculature.

It is further envisioned that a kit may be provided, wherein a kit comprises a drinking apparatus 10 having a straw 14. The kit further comprises a plurality of caps 16, wherein one of the caps 16 is selectively coupled with a straw 14. Each one of the caps 16 has an aperture 18 controlling the flow of the food from a container 12 through a straw 14 and to the user. The kit may further comprise a lid or cover 20 substantially similar to a lid or cover 20 discussed in a previous embodiment. A lid or cover 20 may be coupled or secured to a container 12 by threads or by friction fit impingement, as discussed above in relation to a previous embodiment. As discussed above in respect to the individual elements of apparatus 10, the elements of apparatus 10 comprising the kit are substantially similar, thus further detailed discussion is repetitive.

It is further envisioned that a method of delivering nourishment to a person is desirable, a method utilizing a container having a straw, and the method comprising the step of selecting one of a plurality of caps for coupling one of the caps to a straw, each one of the caps having an aperture for controlling the flow of nourishment through a straw and to the person. The method may further comprise the steps of removing a cap coupled to a straw, and selecting one of the remaining caps for coupling to a straw. A cap is selective from a plurality of caps that may be offered. Each one of the caps has an aperture controlling the flow of the food from a container through a straw and to the user. 

1. A food delivery apparatus comprising: a container having a tube coupled with a cap; and the cap having an aperture controlling the flow of liquid from the container through the tube.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a lid that encloses the contents within the container.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the container has a collar for receiving the lid.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the collar has external threads complementary to internal threads formed on the inside of the lid.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the collar has a lip complementary to a channel formed on the underside of the lid.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the lid has at least one outlet, the tube projecting through one of the outlets.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the tube has a detente that abuts the underside of the lid when the tube is inserted through the outlet.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the tube comprises: a first portion coupled with a second portion; the first portion having a detente that abuts the underside of the lid when the tube is inserted through the outlet; and the second portion receiving the cap at an end opposite to the end with the first portion.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cap has an open end and a partially closed end, the partially closed end having an aperture formed therein for controlling the flow rate of contents through the tube.
 10. A food delivery system controlling the flow of food, the system comprising: a container having a straw selectively coupled with one of a plurality of caps; and each one of the caps having an aperture of a specified diameter, the aperture controlling the flow of food from the container through the straw and to the user.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a lid that encloses the contents within the container.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the container has a collar for receiving the lid.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the collar has external threads complementary to internal threads formed on the inside of the lid.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the collar has a lip complementary to a channel formed on the underside of the lid.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the lid has at least one outlet, the tube projecting through one of the outlets.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the tube has a detente that abuts the underside of the lid when the tube is inserted through the outlet.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the tube comprises: a first portion coupled with a second portion; the first portion having a detente that abuts the underside of the lid when the tube is inserted through the outlet; and the second portion receiving the cap at an end opposite to the end with the first portion.
 18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the cap has an open end and a partially closed end, the partially closed end having an aperture formed therein for controlling the flow rate of food through the tube.
 19. A method of delivering nourishment to a person utilizing a container having a straw, the method comprising the step of selecting one of a plurality of caps for coupling one of the caps to the straw, each one of the caps having an aperture controlling the flow of nourishment through the straw and to the person.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of: removing the cap coupled to the straw; and selecting one of the remaining caps for coupling to the straw. 